The Profluence Pod 🌐

Andrew Petcash
  • 4.6 (23)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

Insightful convos with the founders, operators, and investors transforming the future of sports.

  1. #322: Philip Hover-Smoot, The Atlas Cup - Building the First Professional Sport in Space

    1d ago

    #322: Philip Hover-Smoot, The Atlas Cup - Building the First Professional Sport in Space

    Philip Hover-Smoot is the Founder and CEO of Atlas Cup, the company building the world's first professional sport in space. Atlas Cup will feature satellites racing head-to-head in low Earth orbit, creating an entirely new category of sports, entertainment, and competition beyond our planet.Before launching Atlas Cup, Philip spent over a decade in the defense and space industries, leading satellite, launch, and space technology initiatives worth billions of dollars. As a former space company CEO and attorney specializing in space operations and regulation, he brings a rare combination of technical expertise, business leadership, and vision to one of the most ambitious sports ventures ever attempted.In this conversation, Philip shares why he believes sports are the next major application layer for the growing space economy, how satellite racing could become the Formula 1 of orbit, and what it takes to build a professional sports league where the competition takes place hundreds of miles above Earth. He also discusses the future of commercial space, AI-powered competition, media opportunities in orbit, and why the first human race in space could become the most-watched sporting event in history.Podcast Chapters:02:41 The Journey from Concept to Reality05:51 Understanding the Mechanics of Space Racing08:33 The Role of Technology and Teams in Space Racing11:26 The Future of Sports in Space23:29 Exploring the Structure of Space Sports24:00 The Human Connection to Space and Sports25:03 Creating Emotional Connectivity in Space Racing27:11 The Drama and Risks of Space Racing29:54 Navigating Compliance in Space Sports35:15 The Future of Global Space Racing38:07 The Rise of Application Layers in Space Sports38:58 Continuous Learning in a Changing Landscape

    44 min
  2. #321: Milton Lee — What Investors Look for in Founders, Sports Tech & The Future of Sports

    3d ago

    #321: Milton Lee — What Investors Look for in Founders, Sports Tech & The Future of Sports

    Milton Lee is a former NBA executive, sports technology CEO, investor, and board member whose career spans professional sports, technology, and finance. Most recently, he served as CEO of Keemotion, leading the company through significant growth, mergers and acquisitions, and ultimately its acquisition by Sportradar ahead of the company's NASDAQ IPO. Prior to Keemotion, Milton held numerous leadership roles across the sports industry, including serving on the boards of the Brooklyn Nets, Barclays Center, and Onexim Sports & Entertainment. He also served as General Manager of the Brooklyn Nets' G-League affiliate and Chairman of the NBA G-League Basketball Rules Committee. With decades of experience operating at the highest levels of sports and technology, Milton brings a unique perspective on leadership, innovation, investing, and the future of the industry. Milton shares lessons learned from building and scaling companies, what investors look for in founders, why grit remains one of the most important traits for long-term success, and how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are transforming the sports landscape. He also reflects on his journey from professional sports executive to technology CEO and investor, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs, operators, and leaders across the sports ecosystem. Podcast Chapters: 01:04 Milton's Journey in Sports 03:04 Transition from Wall Street to Sports 04:39 Building Key Motion and Sports Tech 07:29 Networking and Alumni Influence 10:55 CEO Insights on Technology and Innovation 13:00 Guardrails Against Scope Creep 17:19 Emerging Trends in Sports Ownership 21:49 The Future of Football and Other Sports 25:07 Lifelong Participation in Sports 27:58 Investor Insights and Grit in Founders

    31 min
  3. #320: Andy Sandler, Temerity Capital - The Art of Investing in Sports Teams

    Jun 17

    #320: Andy Sandler, Temerity Capital - The Art of Investing in Sports Teams

    Andy Sandler, Temerity Capital - The Art of Investing in Sports Teams Temerity Capital Partners is the Sandler family office and private investment company. Under the Temerity Capital umbrella is Temerity Baseball, which focuses on sports team ownership and real estate development. Temerity Baseball owns and operates three professional baseball teams: the Greensboro Grasshoppers, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, and Lexington Legends. They are also minority investors in the Tampa Bay Rays. The Sandler Family recently got into women's sports with their investment in the Columbus Fury, a Major League Volleyball team. Andy Sandler is a senior partner at Mitchell Sandler, founder of Asurity Advisors, and leads Temerity Capital. Andy previously founded and led the Buckley Sandler law firm and Treliant Risk Advisors, which he sold in 2017. Podcast Chapters: 02:33 Investment Philosophy and Community Impact 05:18 Transitioning Minor League Ownership 08:00 Community Building in Sports 09:43 The Role of Community in Sports Ownership 12:27 Real Estate Development and Sports 14:07 Utilizing Stadiums Beyond Game Days 19:50 Technology and Shared Services in Sports Ownership 23:53 The Centralized League Model vs. Community Ownership 29:02 Evaluating Team Culture and Leadership 33:01 The Rise of Women's Sports 35:56 Investment Insights and Lessons Learned

    43 min
  4. #319: Mike Carney, OnDeck Partners - The Future of Sports Communities

    Jun 15

    #319: Mike Carney, OnDeck Partners - The Future of Sports Communities

    Mike Carney is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of OnDeck Partners, a sports business and investment company focused on elevating the fan experience and driving sustainable growth across the communities it serves. With a career spanning leadership roles in both Major League and Minor League Baseball, Mike has built a reputation for developing high-performing organizations, fostering strong cultures, and creating long-term value through sports. Before launching OnDeck Partners, Mike served as EVP of Business Operations and Chief Revenue Officer for the Washington Nationals, where he led large teams across revenue, strategy, and operations. His leadership contributed to the organization's growth and success, including the Nationals' historic 2019 World Series Championship. Throughout his career, Mike has remained passionate about the unique role sports teams play as economic and cultural anchors within their communities. At OnDeck Partners, Mike is helping reimagine the future of Minor League Baseball by investing in community-first clubs and creating new opportunities for fan engagement, live events, and local impact. In this conversation, he shares why Minor League Baseball remains one of the most compelling opportunities in sports today, how community serves as the foundation of every successful franchise, and why the future of sports ownership may be rooted in creating unforgettable local experiences. Podcast Chapters: 02:30 The Importance of Community in Minor League Baseball 05:21 Why Minor League Baseball? A Unique Opportunity 07:59 Exploring the Teams: Visalia Rawhide and Montgomery Biscuits 10:31 Partnerships and Ownership Structures in Minor League Baseball 13:15 Business Models: Cash Flow and Long-Term Strategy 16:05 Multi-Club Ownership: Learning from Others 18:37 Revenue Streams in Minor League Baseball 21:30 Activating the Ballpark Beyond Baseball 24:21 Technology and AI in Minor League Operations 26:40 Trends to Watch in Sports and Fan Engagement 29:28 Looking Ahead: The Future of On Deck Partners

    30 min
  5. #318: Evan Dabby, New Jersey Youth Soccer - The World Cup Effect on U.S. Soccer

    Jun 8

    #318: Evan Dabby, New Jersey Youth Soccer - The World Cup Effect on U.S. Soccer

    Evan Dabby is the CEO of New Jersey Youth Soccer, one of the largest state soccer associations in the United States, serving more than 120,000 players annually. With over 25 years of experience across professional and grassroots soccer, Evan has played a key role in shaping the growth of the sport in America, from his time at Major League Soccer to leading youth soccer development throughout New Jersey.Before joining New Jersey Youth Soccer, Evan spent 15 seasons at Major League Soccer, overseeing major initiatives across event operations, competition management, team travel, sports medicine, venue operations, and league logistics. During a period of significant growth for MLS, he helped execute MLS Cup Finals, All-Star Games, and league-wide events while witnessing firsthand the evolution of soccer in the United States.Today, Evan leads New Jersey Youth Soccer's efforts to expand access, improve player development pathways, reduce barriers to participation, and strengthen the youth soccer ecosystem. Under his leadership, the organization has grown participation while maintaining affordable registration costs, expanding programs for underserved communities, and investing in coach education, player safety, and grassroots development.In this episode, Evan shares his perspective on the future of youth soccer in America, the challenges of pay-to-play, the importance of player retention and enjoyment, and how major events like the FIFA World Cup, Women's World Cup, and LA28 Olympics can accelerate the growth of the game. He also discusses the evolving youth soccer landscape, technology's role in player development, and why creating lifelong connections to sport matters far beyond the field.Podcast Chapters:02:27 The Evolution of Soccer in the U.S.05:15 Current Trends in Youth Soccer07:58 Stakeholders in Youth Soccer: A Complex Landscape10:40 New Jersey Youth Soccer: Mission and Impact13:21 The Role of Parents and Community in Youth Soccer15:52 Technology's Influence on Soccer Development18:33 Looking Ahead: Optimism and Challenges in Soccer21:12 The Buzz Around the World Cup24:07 Future Trends in Soccer: What to Watch For

    27 min
  6. #317: Bobby Basham, Inside the Chicago Cubs' Innovation Strategy

    Jun 3

    #317: Bobby Basham, Inside the Chicago Cubs' Innovation Strategy

    Bobby Basham is a longtime executive with the Chicago Cubs, where he focuses on player development, innovation, and emerging technologies that help shape the future of baseball. With more than two decades of experience in the sport as both a player and front-office leader, Bobby has been at the forefront of integrating data, sports science, and technology into professional baseball operations. In addition to his work with the Cubs, Bobby is the co-founder of Union Baseball Systems, a player development organization based in San Diego that supports athletes from youth baseball through the professional ranks. He is also an active advisor and investor in sports and technology companies, helping founders build solutions that improve athlete performance, health, and development. Known for bridging the gap between sports, technology, and business, Bobby brings a unique perspective on innovation, leadership, and the future of the sports industry. Chapters: 00:55 Bobby's Background and Experience in Baseball 03:47 Evaluating Technology and Innovation in Baseball 06:31 Balancing Tradition and Professionalism in Baseball 10:05 Insights on Founders and Technology Pitches 13:01 Understanding Organizational Pain Points 15:47 The Role of Athletes in Entrepreneurship 17:47 Cubs' Approach to Early-Stage Innovations 21:12 Future Opportunities in the Sports Industry

    21 min
  7. #316: Kira Pritchard and Jon Solomon - The Future of Soccer

    Jun 1

    #316: Kira Pritchard and Jon Solomon - The Future of Soccer

    Kira Pritchard and Jon Solomon are leading voices in youth sports development and access, working to create healthier, more equitable pathways for young athletes through research, philanthropy, and community impact. Together, they recently collaborated on the State of Soccer in New York City & North Jersey report, an in-depth examination of the opportunities, challenges, and future of youth soccer in one of the most influential regions in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Kira Pritchard serves as Program Director at the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, a New York City-based philanthropic organization focused on expanding access and opportunity through arts, education, health, and youth development initiatives. She helps lead the Fund’s Play to Thrive initiative, a $10 million multi-year effort designed to leverage youth sports as a vehicle for mental health, well-being, and community connection.Through partnerships with organizations such as Gotham FC, Street Soccer USA, South Bronx United, and City Parks Foundation, Kira works to increase access to quality sports experiences and address barriers facing young athletes, particularly girls and underserved communities.Jon Solomon is the Editorial Director of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program and Project Play initiative, where he helps lead national efforts to increase youth sports participation and improve the quality of sports experiences for children across the United States. Through Project Play, Jon works alongside leagues, governing bodies, brands, municipalities, and community organizations to create more accessible, affordable, and youth-centered sports systems. His work includes research on youth participation trends, coaching development, athlete well-being, and the growing challenges surrounding the commercialization of youth sports.Chapters:01:10 The Lori Tisch Illumination Fund and Youth Sports04:22 Research Insights on Youth Soccer Participation07:55 Bridging Theory to Practice in Youth Sports11:48 Commercialization and Corporate Partnerships in Youth Sports14:18 Steering the Future of Youth Sports18:25 Local Champions and Community Engagement21:10 Leveraging Digital Communities for Youth Engagement24:20 The World Cup Opportunity for Youth Soccer28:05 The Future of Youth Sports Development31:29 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts

    35 min
  8. #315: Benjamin Grubbs, Managing Partner at Creator Capital - Community is the Future of Sports Business

    May 26

    #315: Benjamin Grubbs, Managing Partner at Creator Capital - Community is the Future of Sports Business

    Benjamin Grubbs is a media executive, investor, and operator focused on the intersection of the creator economy, digital media, sports, and consumer brands. As Managing Partner at Creator Capital, Ben works with founders, creators, and emerging companies shaping the future of content, commerce, and community-driven businesses. Over the past two decades, Ben has held leadership roles across some of the world’s most influential media and technology companies, including YouTube, Google, Turner Broadcasting, Yahoo, and eBay. During his time at YouTube, Ben helped drive global creator partnerships and platform growth across international markets, witnessing firsthand the evolution of creators from hobbyists into scalable media businesses and global brands. Throughout his career, Ben has worked across North America and Asia, helping scale media, commerce, and platform businesses globally while studying how communities form around content, creators, and fandom. His perspective on the future of sports media, social commerce, AI, and creator-driven businesses has made him a sought-after advisor, speaker, and investor across sports, technology, and entertainment. Ben shares insights on the rise of the creator economy, the evolution of YouTube and digital media, the growth of creator-led sports brands like Good Good Golf, and how platforms such as TikTok, Roblox, Whatnot, and YouTube are reshaping fan engagement and commerce.  Podcast Chapters:  02:50 Ben Grubb's Journey in Media and Sports 05:18 The Rise of the Creator Economy 08:11 The Evolution of Sports Content on YouTube 10:47 Good Good Golf: A Case Study in Creator-Led Brands 13:21 Investment Insights in the Creator Economy 16:20 The Future of Sports Media and Community Engagement 19:11 Leveraging New Platforms for Sports Engagement 21:40 AI's Role in Content Creation and Community Management 27:35 Engagement Trends and Brand Strategy 29:20 Staying Sharp as an Investor 30:31 Learning from the Next Generation 31:48 Advice for Non-Traditional Creators

    32 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Insightful convos with the founders, operators, and investors transforming the future of sports.

Information

  • Creator
    Andrew Petcash
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    388
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Andrew Petcash
  • Show Website
    The Profluence Pod 🌐

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